What to Do If Transvaginal Mesh Has Caused Health Problems

The use of “transvaginal mesh” seems, at the outset, to make a lot of good medical sense. After all, it helps women struggling with urinary incontinence because of weakened muscles. It can help women who have suffered pelvic organ prolapse after giving birth, and it can be used to strengthen the pelvic area to address other concerns too. However, there are now many lawsuits (currently more than 40k) around the use of different brands of transvaginal mesh products because they so often lead to injury and ongoing problems.

There are many types of transvaginal mesh on the market. Some are also called “sling” products as well as mesh, and there are over 40 different varieties available. However, in 2013, the U.S. FDA did formally state that there are adverse effects for those who have it inserted to help with urinary incontinence, and there are almost 100 studies ordered by the FDA to explore issues with mesh products used for prolapse, too.

What This Means to You

To begin with, you must know that the FDA seems to have failed the public in its approval of the use of transvaginal mesh products. The reason is simple – it did approve one style of sling or mesh almost twenty years ago and then allowed many other manufacturers to enter the market because of the similarity in design to the originally approved product. Now, that would have been find had that initial product been flawless and without problems. Unfortunately that is not the case.

It was in 1999 that the FDA recalled that initial transvaginal mesh product because it did not function properly and caused vaginal erosion. Because the rest of the models were similar, they too have created many health issues, and it was not until many physicians did their own studies and reported their disturbing findings that the FDA finally ordered tests.

The Problems

The reported issues with transvaginal mesh include organ perforation, mesh erosion, and revision surgeries to attempt to undo damages. There are also many reports of nerve damage, serious infection, pain during sexual intercourse, recurrence of prolapse, ongoing incontinence, scarring, and even neuromuscular difficulties and emotional problems, all relating to the use of the mesh products.

In other words, most of the patients who have had problems with the mesh inserts have also developed serious and ongoing problems. Consider that any transvaginal sling is meant to integrate seamlessly with the soft tissue. That means that the tissue actually adheres to the mesh, and can make it incredibly difficult to remove it or relocate it. An entire field of medical expertise is needed to deal with revision surgeries of this kind, and recovery is long and difficult.

Your Options

If you have had a transvaginal sling or mesh insert done (regardless of why or how the insertion was performed), and have subsequently experienced any unexpected symptoms ranging from pain to the need for revision surgery, you may have a legal case. You will want to speak with a product liability and personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the issue and determine how to proceed.

Though it may seem like you have no recourse if a mesh surgery did not provide the benefits and outcome desired, that is incorrect. The FDA has, effectively, admitted that it is unsure as to the reliability and safety of these products by ordering post-market tests. This means too many issues are associated with their use. If you have been harmed because of the negligent behaviors that led to mesh devices being available, you need to pursue compensation for damages. An experienced lawyer can help you find a class action lawsuit to join or help you build your own case.

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